KatsinaTimes
The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has called for comprehensive reforms to the global trading system, warning that existing structures are under increasing strain amid rising geopolitical tensions and protectionist policies.
Speaking at a recent international forum, Okonjo-Iweala said the multilateral trading system must adapt to modern economic realities, including supply chain disruptions, climate-related trade measures and the rapid growth of digital commerce. She stressed that reform is necessary to ensure the WTO remains effective, inclusive and responsive to member states’ concerns.
The WTO has faced mounting criticism in recent years over its dispute settlement mechanism and its ability to reach consensus among its 164 member countries. Efforts to restore the appellate body and modernize trade rules have stalled amid divisions between major economies.
Okonjo-Iweala urged member states to engage constructively in dialogue and reaffirm their commitment to rules-based trade. She noted that without meaningful reform, the credibility and stability of the global trading framework could be at risk.
Trade analysts say renewed calls for reform reflect growing concern over fragmentation in global commerce, as countries increasingly turn to bilateral and regional agreements outside the WTO framework.
The WTO leadership maintains that reform is not about dismantling the system but strengthening it to better address contemporary economic challenges and safeguard predictable global trade flows.
